Chapter 18

“Sister-in-law.”

“Cain—”

I saw her face. All of the negative emotions seemed to have vanished. I didn’t know whether I could be delighted to just see her face in this manner.

“Are you about to leave?”

“I received a call that my dress for Cadeline’s birthday banquet this weekend was complete.”

Simultaneously, their destinations were identical.

“Are you going to the dress store? Then I may accompany you.”

“Yes?”

“I was on my way out the door when I received news that the garments I had bought were complete.”

Cain recommended intentionally that they go in the same wagon. I wanted to spend even more time with her. But when she and I met alone in the carriage, I was speechless.

The bond between the two individuals that met last night in secret is incomprehensible. There was complete stillness throughout the carriage. Cain inquired about her physical state after musing. I was concerned that the events of last night may leave a mark.

“Are you beginning to feel better?”

“Yeah I’m alright. And yesterday—”

“Flowers were present in the garden.”

It was eerie. I feared that she could request that she forget what transpired yesterday. Cain did not want to. Even in this manner, I could not break the relationship I had formed.

“Yes? Flowers?”

“Are you conversant with the floral language of the Undeum?”

“No… I don’t really know about flowers that much—”

“Is this true? The language of Undeum’s flowers is—”

Cain introduced the tale of a flower intentionally to divert the subject. The carriage came in front of the dressing room as Cain was ready to speak the language of flowers. He repeated the floral language of Undeum, which he had been unable to convey to Berlia.

“Happiness that comes from patience.”

* * *

Berlia entered the room. She accepted the offer from Cain. I have lured several blonde ladies into my room before, but today was exceptional. Even though she had the same blonde hair, she was a genuine ‘Berlia’ and not a duplicate.

“Cain, I—”

“Do you want to tell me to forget everything that happened?”

Her eyes flickered with anxiety. Continuing a romantic connection with the younger sibling of her spouse may be absurd for an innocent lady.

“I have no intention of returning.”

However, Berlia’s response was unexpected.

“Then may I inquire what happened that evening?”

“That… night?”

“The day you sought solace in your chamber.”

“Yes?!”

She may have felt lonely due to his brother’s icy disposition. If I could fill that vacuum, if I could alleviate her loneliness even little, I would.

“Are you dissatisfied with your husband in bed?”

“That’s—”

Cain wanted a connection with her, even if it was simply physical.

“Right. As Cain is aware, we are practically a display couple. This association… It’s just that.”

Any reason would suffice.

“Actually. I have no idea what I’m talking about in front of my spouse’s brother.”

The instant he heard her next words, though, Cain’s countenance changed. He did not want Berlia to see him as the younger brother of her husband. Similarly to how I refer to her as ‘Berlia’ rather than ‘sister-in-law’, I wanted her to refer to me as ‘Cain’.

“Do not see me in that manner.”

“Yes? A— ah!”

Cain carried Berlia to her bed while whispering in her ear.

“For the next three months, Berlia, please treat me as me and not as your brother.”

Cain had an affair with Berlia the same day. Cain was unable to sleep in Berlia’s room last night, and Berlia was unable to wake up with Cain this morning.

“Sleep well, Cain.”

After the encounter, Berlia spoke these remarks before leaving. Cain, who was left alone in the room, felt the warmth of Berlia’s fading presence close to him. The seat she left vacant was cold.

Cain was furious since the connection was confined to three months, when he believed he would be content with even a quarter of it.

* * *

“Madam, the Imperial Palace has sent you an invitation to the feast.”

An invitation from the Imperial Palace has come. It met expectations. There were two invitations from the Imperial Palace in all. The Duke and Duchess Hildayden(T/N: I’m assuming the invitation for the Duke and Duchess is already a single invitation) , together with another individual, Cain Hildayden.

It will happen in one week.

Berlia went to Cain to extend the invitation. It was time for him to enter his private study. As Berlia headed to his study, she recalled the events of the previous evening.

He was really courteous. So much so that I believed he had given me his heart. It was fortunate that Berlia was incorrect. As long as Cain continues to be nice to me, it makes little difference whether his kindness is genuine or only an illusion.

Berlia inhaled deeply as she stood in front of his study and took a few steps back. hammering. I was nervous.

Knock. Knock.

A knock was heard. Cain’s voice indicated that entry from the inside was permitted. Berlia pushed open the door and stuck her head out.

“Cain, are you busy?”

“No. Just now, I was reading a book. Do you have anything to say?”

He closed the book that he was reading and looked at Beria. Looking at his face, Berlia recalled in her mind the events of the previous evening.

‘Why do you continue to think this way?’

She inquired of Cain, attempting to forget the last night they had a passionate connection,

“A banquet is being hosted at the Imperial Palace. Just now, the invitation came. Are you aware?”

“Imperial Palace? Oh, and I also heard the news.”

“If you have a travel companion… have you decided who it might be?”

It was an issue of bravery and asking for Berlia. If yesterday’s behavior was any indication, it seemed like he would accept the invitation to the banquet.

“Not yet.”

“Then if you don’t mind… would you like to go with me—”

Already in the midst of the talk, Berlia was concerned that he would not accept her offer, so her speech got more garbled.

“As a partner?”

Cain stood and approached Berlia with a question.

“Originally, it would be appropriate for me to go with my spouse, but as you are aware, he is presently in Candell, and it is difficult for me to attend a banquet by myself—”

Berlia moved down to escape his look as his face grew closer and closer.

“You are too near.”

Even though we had already kissed several times, she was uncomfortable as his face abruptly approached. Cain, nevertheless, did not cease his approach. Whether it were this way, I did not know if he would touch me. Berlia retreated with humiliation.

‘Ah—’

In her rear was a wall. No space remained for Berlia to withdraw. Cain halted in front of Berlia and responded.

“I like it.”

“Yes?”

Beria questioned whether she had rightly understood. Was it accurate that Cain said he would be her partner at the banquet?

“I will accompany you to the banquet, Berlia.”

Cain nodded his head. Berlia regarded him with a big grin.

“Many thanks, Cain!”

This grin reminded me of the smile I had three and a half years earlier, when Cain handed Berlia a necklace.

‘If you grin like this, won’t others assume that you’re pleased that I’m accompanying you?’

“I feared embarrassment since I’m a Duchess and attended a dinner sponsored by the Imperial Palace without a companion, but I am extremely delighted.”

She is likely pleased since she will not be ashamed.

Regardless of the cause, Cain was pleased to see her grin after a lengthy absence. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Berlia’s positive side. Since acquiring Hildayden’s surname, it has been difficult to locate the picture I had previously envisioned in Berlia.

Moreover, since yesterday night, my connection with Berlia seems to have thawed somewhat. Is it not now like a lover? Even though she had never liked me, Cain wanted to enjoy this illusion for a time.

Berlia’s face was under Cain’s eyes. He lowered his head as he smiled.

“Ca… Cain?”

Cain’s lips dropped as they brushed Berlia’s forehead. Followed by the eyes. Cain kissed Berlia’s face and lowered his head gently.

“…!”

The lips of Cain halted at her neck. Berlia stared perplexedly at the entrance of the study. Thankfully, the door was shut.

“Hooh.”

Berlia moaned as she sensed Cain’s breath approaching.

Chu~

I could feel his tongue lapping at my throat. Berlia twitched and shook. However, Cain’s acts simply foreshadowed future events.

Berlia was also aware. She did not refuse, though. No, I did not want to decline.

Cain extended one hand and tugged the shoulder of Berlia’s indoor dress downward. Her shoulders were bare and white. Cain brushed his lips on her shoulder and gave her a short kiss.

The action was really thoughtful. It was the same as yesterday. It was like doing it to a lover. Berlia really hoped that he would develop affection for her.

‘I’m not really sure if he’s going to—’

Maybe he’ll enjoy it.

Berlia extended her hand and grasped Cain’s shoulder. She felt the tightness of his muscles in his fingers.

Cain unzipped the dress by placing his hand behind Berlia’s back. The woman heard a little crackling sound. The garment draped from the end of the shoulder down farther. Her upper chest was uncovered.

By lowering the zipper, her pristine white body was exposed. Cain ran his index finger down the woman’s back.